Still Running...

Yikes, where have I been? Reading everyone else's blogs I guess. Well we just ran our last LONG run before marathon today (20 miles). It feels pretty good to be this far in the training regimen. The big day is in three weeks. I'm getting pretty excited! There is just something amazing about being surrounded by a couple thousand other people, all taking part in the same exciting event. The weather was beautiful today and couldn't have been more perfect for the run. Its been kind of crazy how this time around things have been so different than the first marathon I ran. Then it was like I had to plan my life around my training, but this time...training just has to fit into my life. It's also been a lot easier mentally because I've run all these long runs before, so I know I can do it. Well there's my update, just wanted to let everyone know I'm still going through with it :)

Tagged

My fun cuz Teri Tagged me to do this post, so I better not disappoint:)

Seven things about me...

1. I was once a little Ballerina, never graceful, but a ballerina. The other day my nephews were watching my wedding video and they were very impressed with the footage of my days in the Nutcracker. Carson told me he wanted a copy of my wedding video at his house.

2. In 5th grade I slammed my left middle finger in the door and cut the top of it off. Since then I've met at least 4 others with the same crazy looking finger. 2 family members, 5th grade teacher and anatomy aid. I believe that is why I'm a better dribbler (basketball) with my left hand, cuz my three middle fingers are all the same size.

3. As of today, I've put 106 miles on my new running shoes in the last couple months. It sure starts adding up quickly.

4. My favorite T.V. show these days is the Biggest Loser. In order to watch it though I make myself exercise while watching it...or else I don't get to watch it. It just doesn't seem right to sit on the couch while their working so hard:)

5. In my early elementary days I was voted "class clown". I was very social, which is strange because now being outgoing really pushes me outside my comfort zone. I blame it on junior high...yikes those days were rough.

6. I am the only girl in my family of 4 kids. According to my brother it was his job to toughen me up.

7. I'm married to the coolest guy on the planet. We have lots in common so we don't get too bored.

Five things that make me smile...

1. Just looking at my little daughter Kaelyn. I just can't get over how cute she is.

2. Playing volleyball.

3. Wayne when he's being goofy.

4. Getting together with friends and reminiscing the good old days.

5. Spending everyday at home chilling with Kaelyn...and when we hear the garage door open and know Dad's home.

I tag...

Jamie

The Crow

Everyone else who feels up to it:)

I'm doing it again...

but this time I'm doing a few things differently.

1. I'm not going to map every single run on Mapmyrun thanks to the Christmas gift Wayne gave me...Nike + Ipod. It keeps track of my mileage so I can just hit the open road and save lots of time planning.

2. Jamie (my sista from a different mista) will be doing it with me, and that will be great!

3. Lots of inside runs with the Christmas gift I bought myself (Treadmill), because now that I have a little one I can't just take off anytime, plus the air quality isn't the best this winter.

4. I'm going to do a half marathon a couple months after, so I won't quit running right after, not pick it up again for a year and let all my in-shape-ness go to waste.

5. Last but not least, I will NOT run the 10 mile run in the heat of the day on the Jordan Parkway alone...I had to learn the hard way on that one last time, but I learned my lesson.

Yep, I'm running another marathon in May, the Ogden Marathon. From what I hear its one of Utah's best. One of my lifetime goals is to run one within a year of having a baby. I've found it to be a great motivator to get back in shape. I would have to admit that I don't LOVE running, sometimes I down right dread it. But I do LOVE getting in shape, shedding the pounds, feeling like I pushed myself and accomplished something REALLY hard. I do look forward to when the 3 mile runs seem like nothing more than a walk to the mail box, and not like the death sentence that they do right now.

This is the quote I put on my treadmill, because running on a treadmill is A LOT more difficult that running outside, but I'm sure it will get easier. For now though, I have to read this quote multiple times during a run and talk my body out of giving up.:)

“Now if you are going to win any battle you have to do one thing. You have to make the mind run the body. Never let the body tell the mind what to do. The body will always give up. It is always tired in the morning, noon & night.

But the body is never tired if the mind is not tired”.

-George S. Patton, U.S. Army General, 1912 Olympian

I Choose Mother

So I've totally neglected my blog lately. I've had an idea for a post for a while, but just found the time to write it up, yes at 2:30 am just after feeding Kaelyn her mid-night snack. Just kidding my life isn't THAT busy, but I've just been putting this off too long.

I still remember that dreadful afternoon. My first year of college was coming to a close and I sat on my twin bed in tears because "they" were making me declare a major. "They" said it wasn't set in stone, most college students change their majors 3 or 4 times. That just didn't set well with me. What was the point of declaring something if you didn't really mean it? I called my mom hoping that she would just tell me what to put down, what I should gear my education towards. I remember wanting to be able to say, "A mother! I've always wanted to be a mom, its all I've always wanted to be. Its the only profession I've ever considered." (Except dance teacher, but I hadn't danced since 6th grade so that really was no longer an option) But I couldn't declare that as my major, or could I have?, I should have. Any how after a long conversation with mom I finally decided on "Physical Therapy". What a relief it was to finally get that out of my way, and to have more direction in the courses I would need to complete over the next few years.

That decision helped set the course for the next few years of my life, and in a way bring me closer to my life's goal of being a mom. In my mind it only made sense for me to go to the University of Utah after I graduated from Jr College. It was the only school in the state that had a Physical Therapy program, and I would have a better chance of getting in if I did. It didn't even take a full semester at the U for me to decide that PT school wasn't what I wanted to do, but I'm grateful for the initial desire I had to do it, because it got me where I needed to be. To make a long story short, I met Wayne and we got married, and none of it would have happened had I not gone to the University of Utah.

So now to this mother business. On one of our drives home when Kaelyn was still in the hospital I made a promise to myself, and then I had to report it to Wayne so I would have some accountability. I promised that I would, "Never complain about being a mother." If it has anything to do with my children and the care I am privileged to provide them, I will not complain. Yes, I understand very well that being a mom is the hardest job in the world, but I also understand that we can find joy in anything in life. Sometimes we have to look REALLY hard to see it, but it is always there. I feel like children are on loan to us from Heavenly Father, and we have to report to him on how we raised His Little ones. I'm so grateful for the blessing of being a mother is in my life, and so grateful for the lessons I learned about motherhood while Kaelyn was in the hospital. It helped get me to a place where I could say, "Whatever she needs from me, I will do it." I love her so much, and am grateful for every second I get to spend with her. Even when those seconds are in the wee hours of the morning and I'm spilling milk all over the both of us while putting it in her feeding tube.

My Project...

Is finally complete.

Back when we found out we were pregnant we went crib shopping. We found a cute crib for a great price. At the time I also saw a cute quilt/bumper/crib skirt set that I wanted to buy. Wayne refused. He wouldn't let me spend as much on that stuff as we did the crib itself. I guess I have to agree with his logic. So I kept an eye out for a set that I liked that didn't cost so much, no luck.

A few weeks later a friend Jean sent us this cute cute quilt and I decided to decided to use it as the theme to decorate Kaelyn's room. I liked that it had so many different colors, especially the pink and green combo.

Later I found some cute upholstery fabric that I thought would go wonderfully. And to top it all off I found an old crib bumper at a random yard sale I decided to stop at for 50 cents. I took off the old fabric covering and used the batting as a starting point. Throw it all together and what to you get? My first sewing project in four years. I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out. Just don't look too close, I compare my sewing to a drunk man trying to walk a straight line. It took a couple of all nighters to finish and many pin wounds, but I cut the cost of it all in HALF. My measurements were a little off on the amount of fabric I needed, so I have enough to make some other stuff...let me know if you have any ideas? I've considered curtains but not quite sure about that one.

I'm not the most crafty person, but I would like to be. Its just one of those things that I don't do very much. If I had the choice between a scrap booking party and a volleyball game I choose volleyball. I'm sure when I get to spend more time at home with Kaelyn I'll pick up a few more projects. Next up...Her scrapbook.

The Beginning Stages

The Finished Product

The First Visiting Angel

Our first week at Primary Children's hospital we met a family who's little guy was next to Kaelyn. They are awesome parents, next to their son's bedside all day. We became friends and were so happy for them when they finally got to take their little guy home. One day the mom gave us the Knitted Angel you see laying on Kaelyn's bed along with a story about her, "Reminda, the First Visiting Angel". Here is her story;

"Occasionally in this life we may find ourselves engulfed in challenges or trials that seem to need more angelic help than other times do. One such day was many years ago as a family sat in a hospital waiting room waiting for their father to come out of surgery. Sometimes they just sat, sometimes they held hands, sometimes they closed their eyes and seemed to drift away - if only for a moment. All the while a fellow waiting room patron sat in the corner crocheting. Many hours passed. Someone came into the room and spoke to the crocheting woman and left. She gathered up her things and looked as though she was preparing to leave. Instead, she came over to the waiting family and handed them a faceless angel.

"I want you to have this," she said. "It is to remind you that you always have angels around you - even when you can't see them. When your times are better you can pass this angel on to someone else to remind them that they, too, have angels with them." Then she left.

The mother found great comfort in the reminder. She kept the angel in a visible place in her home and every time she saw it she was reminded of the angels that were there.

Some years later her dear friend was diagnosed with cancer. What to do! What to do! What can you do in a situation like that? So, of course, she made some brownies, grabbed the faceless angel and went for a visit. Then she sat and listened...and listened..and listened.

The brownies were quickly eaten and forgotten but the angel was given a new face that day.

The Visiting Angel went through surgery and chemo and many months of recuperation. You could sometimes see her sitting on the sofa but usually you would find her lying on the pillow on the bed.

Many months later she went to visit another family whose very young father was given only a few short months to live. After that, she went full circle when she came back to her first home for, ironically, surgery, cancer treatment and recovery. Again she lay on the pillow and served as a "Reminda" of the attending angels.

Next Reminda went to visit a home that had experienced significant loss with the death of a family member. She stayed for many months on the back of the chaise lounge where she was a daily and sometimes hourly reminder of the angels that were there.

Months later she went to visit with a family experiencing what seemed to be an insurmountable loss. She was held and touched and did her reminder job very well.

Then she visited with a family that needed comfort following life saving surgery for their daughter, surgery that will help but not cure. Each time she has sat in a different place and given comfort in many different ways. As angels do, she has never asked for anything in return. Each time she has been given away she has allowed the giver to become an angel herself. Reminda has done an excellent job at helping people remember the angels among us."

Now Reminda lays her head on Kaelyn's crib. She is a daily reminder that there are indeed Angels surrounding that little girl. I have felt them near and know they are protecting her and helping us through this journey. When the day comes that we bring Kaelyn home, I will pass the angel on to someone else who needs her to help them get through whatever they may be facing.

Just look at that little squirt, all dressed up and no where to go :)

The Wooden Bowl

I just got this email and I thought it was good enough to pass on. I'll comment after.

"I guarantee you will remember the tale of the Wooden Bowl tomorrow, a week from now, a month from now, a year from now.

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year-old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.

The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. 'We must do something about father,' said the son. 'I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.'

So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone.

Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food. The four-year-old watched it all in silence.

One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, 'What are you making?' Just as sweetly, the boy responded, 'Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up. ' The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.

The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done. That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.

On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.

I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles four things: a rainy day, the elderly, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.

I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as making a 'life..' I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.

I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands.You need to be able to throw something back sometimes.

I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you But, if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.

I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.

I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch -- holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I've learned that I still have a lot to learn."

Jeana says - Its amazing how much our behavior would change if we just took a minute to imagine someone else treating us the way we are treating others in a given moment. Oh what a different world we would be living in. This story reminded me of that today, I'm glad.

George Strait Concert

Kristen's mom, Polly was so nice and gave us her tickets to the George Strait concert. We had a great time! Wayne wore his boots, cowboy shirt and belt buckle, but decided to forgo the had because it was so hot and he didn't want it to stick to his head. I couldn't believe how many people were there, the place was packed. Who knew there were so many George fans here in the valley?

I had never been to Usana Amphitheater before, it was really cool. I have only been to one other concert and it was at Saltair...don't recommend it. It was really loud, cramped and hot, we had to leave early because we just couldn't stand up anymore. I told Wayne if I ever went to another concert I would want to be outside so it wasn't so loud and we could sit on the grass. That's exactly what we got and it was perfect! Great setting and even better music. Wayne's pretty anti-listening to country music, but he was impressed. He said he respected George for playing the guitar while singing and how gracious he was towards his band, he took about five minutes to introduce each of them. It was quite the band, like 11 people and all of them were from either Texas or Nashville. We even got to sit by some of our Taylor/Buxton family for a while until they decided they needed to sit 30 feet closer:)

Yesterday I told Wayne that I bet George has a sweet house/ranch and boy was I right. Here is the aerial view...I also found this article that talked about him. I think that is why I like him so much. He's a real cowboy that sings country music and doesn't seem to get too caught up in the fame of it. He's a great entertainer, but he is still just a country boy from Texas. I'm sure that's why my Grandma liked him so much too, and the fact that he's a great singer with tons of great songs.

Thanks so much Polly & Kristen, we really appreciated it. It was a wonderful way to spend our Friday night. It was cool too because we could see Primary Children's all lit up on the hill, so we could keep an eye on Kaelyn from clear across the valley :)

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